West Vancouver Facts

Cypress Mountain, the venue for freestyle and snowboard events during the 2010 Winter Games, is located within the waterfront community of West Vancouver.

West Vancouver is north of downtown Vancouver across Burrard Inlet, via the Lions Gate Bridge. Set between the Pacific Ocean and the Coast Mountains, West Van, as it’s known locally, is one of Canada’s most liveable communities. Crowned by the spectacular 3,000 hectare (7,431 acre) Cypress Provincial Park, West Vancouver is also home to five unique shopping villages: Park Royal Shopping Centre, Ambleside, Dundarave, Caulfield Village, and Horseshoe Bay Village.

West Vancouver Quick Facts:

History: Home to the Squamish First Nation, the area was incorporated as the Corporation of the District of West Vancouver on March 15, 1912. The population grew after the Lions Gate Bridge linked West Vancouver to Vancouver in 1938. (Wikipedia)

Population: 42,131 (according to the 2006 census). A multicultural community, 28 per cent of West Vancouverites have a first language other than English.

Environment: West Vancouver has more than 100 kilometres (62 miles) of public paths and trails and 110 parks, including Whytecliff Park – one of the best scuba diving spots in Western Canada, and Ambleside Park – known for its swimming beach.

Economy: One of the wealthiest municipalities in the country, West Vancouver has an average annual household income of $120,000 — almost twice Metro Vancouver’s average of $63,000. Retail, service and recreational businesses form the bulk of commercial activity in this primarily residential community.

The Squamish Nation: As one of the Four Host First Nations, along with the Lil’wat, Musqueam and Tsleil-Waututh Nations, the Squamish Nation is an official host of the 2010 Winter Games. Descendants of the Coast Salish Aboriginal people, the Squamish people have 24 reserves in and near West Vancouver.

Cypress Mountain & Cypress Provincial Park

The resort known as Cypress Mountain operates alpine facilities on 1,200 metre (3940 foot) Black Mountain and 1,440 metre (4720 foot) Strachan Mountain, and Nordic activities on 1,275 metre (4200 foot) Hollyburn Mountain. The ski area is the centrepiece of the 3,000 hectare (7,431 acre) Cypress Provincial Park adjacent to West Vancouver. One of the most popular ski destinations in British Columbia, the park offers year round recreational opportunities and spectacular views.

During the 2010 Winter Games, Cypress Mountain was the venue for six freestyle skiing events: men’s and ladies’ aerials, moguls and ski cross, and six snowboard events: men’s and ladies’ halfpipe, parallel giant slalom and snowboard cross.